Public Service Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Police Officer Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median police officer salary in Boulder, CO is $84,211 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$84,211
vs State Avg
+$15,131
vs National
+$18,421
Cost of Living
128%

Police Officer Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median police officer salary of $84,211, which is $15,131 above the Colorado state average of $69,080. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $84,211 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $65,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for police officers in Boulder spans from $51,712 at the 10th percentile to $135,680 at the 90th percentile — a $83,968 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,760, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $125,440. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Police Officer Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level police officer earns around $53,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $125,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,760
+$11,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,480
+$18,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$125,440
+$27,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $51,712
25th Percentile $65,536
Median (50th) $84,211
75th Percentile $111,616
90th Percentile $135,680

Police Officer Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$73,685
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$69,737
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$69,080
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$65,790
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Police Officer in Boulder

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in Boulder

Browse open police officer positions in Boulder, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Boulder

How much does a Police Officer make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median police officer salary in Boulder, Colorado is $84,211 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $51,712 (10th percentile) to $135,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,211, a police officer in Boulder earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for police officer pay? ▼
Boulder's median police officer salary of $84,211 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $69,080. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $84,211 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Boulder? ▼
Most police officer positions in Boulder require a high school diploma. Key skills include Law Enforcement, Emergency Response, Report Writing, De-escalation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.